Community Corner

School's Out and the Signs Are Everywhere.

Hollowind Hosedown cools off some Broadlands kids, who just ditched teachers, pencils and books.

Graduation and other end-0f-school celebrations are taking place all over Ashburn. While high school seniors headed out to George Mason University's Patriot Center to close out their years, middle and elementary school students in Broadlands invited the over to spray them down for the second Hollowing Hosedown.

Erin Hornbeck said her sister-in-law suggested the hosedown because they do something similar at her home in North Carolina. Hornbeck said it reminds her of growing up in Leesburg when fire stations served as a community hub.

"When I was a kid, the fire department in Leesburg did everything," she said, adding that open houses were free-for-alls that might not  pass libel insurance muster these days. In terms of the last day of school, Hornbeck recalled kids throwing water balloons and squirting water guns. Events like the hosedown combine two of her favorite childhood events and make great vehicles for neighborhood bonding.

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"I'm just so thankful the do this," Hornbeck said, referring to the volunteers.

The three members who brought the truck to Hollowind Court – Brian Phelan, Carl Cowan and Marge Cowan – were off duty, and found the time to offer the event. In addition, the residents along and near Hollowind Court raised more than $600 for the fire department.

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Marge Cowan said it would be impossible to hold such events for everything community, or block for that matter, but that the volunteers love any opportunity to raise awarness and interact with the community. Cowan said donations are encourage, but are not required.

"If we have people who are avialable to do it, we'll do it," she said.


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